Cradles of Romantic Piano Music

Czech Republic / Germany
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In collaboration with Anastasia Seifetdinova, a renowned pianist and faculty member at The Hartt School (University of Hartford), we are delighted to offer “Cradles of Romantic Piano Music,” a glorious trip through Germany and the Czech Republic.

The program features a rich array of German culture and music, luxury hotels, and excellent regional food and wine. Musical highlights include a a visit to Thomaskirche (where Johann Sebastian Bach directed music for over two decades), a visit to the Mendelssohn House for a tour and private concert, a behind the scenes tour of the Bluthner piano factory (including a recital by Anastasia showcasing the instruments amazing sound), a guided tour of Semperoper, a visit to the Czech Museum of Music, and a unique farewell performance by Anastasia. There are also many sumptuous culinary highlights including a welcome dinner at Lutter and Wegner am Gendarmenmarkt, dinner at Restaurant Daniel in Dresden, a private piano salon before dinner at Alte Meister, and many other delicious treats.

Featured Experiences

Signed by Blüthner

Musical
Germany

Stop in Störmthal for a special visit of the Blüthner piano factory where Julius Blüthner’s ancestors continue his legacy to build the finest hand-crafted pianos. A member of the Blüthner family will welcome you with glass of champagne while relating the turbulent history of the company, as well as showing you how the pianos are made. Later, there will be a short recital in the factory’s own concert hall with works by Schumann and Mendelssohn.

The Legacy of JS Bach

Musical
Germany

Leipzig has been home to musical giants like Richard Wagner, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Robert Schumann and of course Johann Sebastian Bach. Join us for a tour of the composers former home led by the musical director of Thomaskirche, before visiting the famous Gewandhaus concert hall and dining at the Auerbachskeller — one of the most historic restaurants in Germany.

Kapellmeister Conducts

Musical
Austria

Meet the Kapellmeister at Salzburg Cathedral and view the original book of records that documents Mozart’s birth. Access the organ lofts and the seven organs of the cathedral before a stunning recital by the Cathedral organist.

What's Included

  • Travel Concierge
  • Exquisite, Well-Located Hotels
    • Berlin: The Westin Grand Berlin (5*)
    • Leipzig: Hotel Steigenberger (5*)
    • Dresden: Gewandhaus Hotel (5*)
    • Prague: NH Collection Prague Carlo IV (5*)
  • Motorcoach transportation
  • Privileged access to the Bluthner Piano factory
  • Private concert at the Meldelssohn House
  • Private concert at the Dvorak Museum
  • Guided tour of Semperoper
  • Visit to the Czech Museum of Music
  • Visit to the Carl Maria von Weber Museum
  • Opportunities for impromptu performances
  • Guided tour of Leipzig
  • Guided tour of Prague’s Old Town
  • Visit to Teplice Spa
  • Lunch at Auebachskeller restaurant
  • Dinner at Lutter and Wegner am Gendarmenmarkth
  • Dinner at Daniel Dresden
  • Farewell dinner at Villa Richter

Itinerary

10 Days

Day 1 OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

Departure from the United States.

Day 2 BERLIN

Arrive in Berlin and meet your Encore Tour Manager. Board your private coach and drop your luggage at your hotel the Westin Grand Berlin. Enjoy an afternoon guided panoramic bus tour of Berlin to get your bearings and take in some of the iconic sights. After time to freshen up back at the hotel we get together for a welcome dinner at Lutter & Wegner am Gendarmenmarkt restaurant. (D)

Day 3 LEIPZIG

Leave Berlin this morning and head towards Leipzig, in time for lunch at the famous Auebachskeller restaurant. Check in to the 5* Hotel Steigenberger before our local guide introduces us to this musical city including a visit to Thomaskirche where JS Bach directed music for over twenty years and the Grassi Museum which houses a rich collection of musical instruments. (B,L)

Day 4 LEIPZIG

A morning drive to Stormthal, home to the Blüthner Piano factory where we will be hosted by the charismatic 5th generation family owner Christian Blüthner. After a welcome drink and introductions, a fascinating behind the scenes tour culminates in a recital given by Anastasia showcasing the Blüthner sound. Return to Leipzig where later we visit the Mendelssohn House for a tour and private concert by a local pianist such as Clemens Posselt or Tilmann Loeser. (B)

Day 5 DRESDEN

Drive to Dresden and meet a local guide for a visit of the city's major sights then check in to the 5* Gewandhaus Hotel and enjoy time for lunch on your own. Later we have a private visit at the Carl Maria von Weber Museum followed by dinner at Daniel Dresden. (B,D)

Day 6 DRESDEN

Enjoy a morning guided tour of Semperoper, revealing its splendid architecture, decor and rich history. The rest of the day is yours to explore, perhaps visit the treasures of the Green Vault or marvel at the reconstructed Frauenkirche. This evening Anastasia will present a private piano salon before our dinner together at Alte Meister restaurant. (B,D)

Day 7 PRAGUE

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the Czech capital of Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with a stop en route at Teplice Spa where Beethoven was a guest in 1811. Visit the Garden House and enjoy a matinee Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour around the Prague Castle and Old Town with a local guide. Check in to your centrally-located hotel and have dinner together this evening in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 8 PRAGUE

This morning you will have a guided tour of Prague's old town followed by a visit to the Czech Museum of Music. After lunch on your own, transfer to Villa America and the Dvorak Museum for a visit and private concert with a Czech pianis such as Matyas Novak, Eliska Tkadlcíková or Jan Cmejla . (B)

Day 9 PRAGUE

A morning excursion brings you to Vysoka u Pribrami to visit to the Dvorak Memorial. Anastasia will present a farewell performance later before a sumptuous farewell dinner at the Villa Richter overlooking the city. (B,D)

Day 10 DEPARTURE

Transfer to Prague airport for the return flight to the United States. Alternatively you may opt for one of two extensions to Berlin or Prague, including three nights in luxurious city center hotels, all necessary transportation and guided sightseeing. (B)

on flight

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